P2 (Nuclear Stuff)

Question 0

Alpha, beta and gamma is what type of radiation?

Answer 0

Ionising radiation

Question 1

What happens to radioactive waste?

Answer 1

Encased in glass container underground. The radiation will decrease over time. Can be reprocessed to create plutonium.

Question 2

What is ionising radiation?

Answer 2

Radiation which causes electrons to be added or removed from atoms creating ions.

Question 3

List in order which types of radiation are the most ionising.

Answer 3

1) Alpha
2) Beta
3) Gamma

Question 4

What happens when human cells are ionised?

Answer 4

Changes interaction in the cell.
Ionised parts repel or attract each other.
Can also causes chemical reactions.
Could cause cancer or cell death.

Question 5

How can Nuclear radiation be detected ?

Answer 5

By the GM tube

Question 6

Explain all the safety things which are taken in consideration when handling radiation.

Answer 6

Shielding
Time
Distance

Question 7

What role does alpha radiation play in a smoke alarm?

Answer 7

The alpha radiation ionises the surrounding air creating a small current like the GM tube.

Smoke enters > current drops > alarm goes off

Question 8

Explain the role of beta radiation in a paper mill.

Answer 8

Beta particles can penetrate paper but when the paper is too thick less radiation goes through causing the count to be lowered so the rollers squeeze together.

Question 9

Explain Gamma knife

Answer 9

Gamma knife- a movable source of gamma rays; used to kill tumours; moved to prevent exposure to healthy tissues; high enough does to kill cells though;

Question 10

Explain a Medical tracer

Answer 10

A weak source of gamma rays swallowed or injected. They travel round the body helping doctors to identify leaks or blockages in internal organs.

Question 11

Advantages of Nuclear power.

Answer 11

Large amounts of electricity made for each kilogram of fuel used.

Readily available wont run out for thousands for years.

No polluting gases created e.g. Carbon dioxide.